For centuries, the Canadian Arctic's remoteness, its stark cold beauty and its infinite mysteries have stimulated our collective curiosity and attracted scientists from around the world. Paradoxically, the very elements that make the Arctic so attractive can also make it seem an impenetrable and dangerous place in which to conduct research.

But over the past 40 years, Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) has been making that task easier for hundreds of scientists from around the world. Each year, Polar Shelf provides ground and air support services to approximately 150 scientific groups from more than 40 Canadian and international universities or government agencies. Scientific projects using PCSP's services cover every discipline, from archaeology to space science to zoology.

Examples of PCSP-supported research programs

• Studies to determine the impact of climate change on Northern ecosystems
• Hydrographic surveys to help identify safe shipping routes
• Geological mapping
• Impact studies of large development programs
• Fish and wildlife population assessments
• Traditional knowledge programs to preserve native cultures
• the Canadian Arctic-Antarctic Exchange Program which encourages Canadian research scientists to collaborate more closely with their Antarctic colleagues

Researchers heading up to the High Arctic can count on the PCSP as a reliable and cost-effective source of equipment, supplies, support and expert advice. Its base at Resolute Bay on Cornwallis Island in the eastern Arctic serves as a staging area for research conducted in virtually any location in the Arctic - on land or on the frozen sea ice - from the borders of Alaska and Greenland, up to the North Pole.

Established in 1958 and recognized internationally as a leader in High Arctic logistics service delivery and cost-effectiveness, Polar Shelf allows scientists to concentrate on their research, without worrying about the often variable weather, lodging or transportation.

Air and overland transportation
Need to ship your supplies to a lonely field camp, that is only accessible by air? No problem. PCSP contracts Twin Otters to deliver the goods. No airstrip? That's no barrier. It just means that PCSP will have to shuttle equipment and supplies in by Twin Otter or helicopter.

Radio communication network
Whether camped out on a remote ice floe or sitting high atop an icefield, scientists can count on PCSP to maintain radio contact. Polar Shelf can even connect research parties with their colleagues working elsewhere in the field. They'll also stay in touch with chartered aircraft, and collect and share information about weather conditions.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Sophisticated navigation systems serve both coastal and inter-island areas, acting as a welcome safety net in the event of storms, accidents, sightings of polar or grizzly bears or other potentially dangerous situations.

Changing times
The popular image of the Canadian Arctic has always been of a remote and mysterious region: a land of darkness, numbing cold and terrible storms.

The area is indeed remote. But the terrifying climatic conditions of Arctic legend are a legacy from early explorations by wooden ship and man-hauled sled. Today, with a pool of experienced PCSP staff, the Arctic has become accessible to scientists and researchers from around the world.

"PCSP has supported my research since 1976. They've put helicopters and Twin Otters at my disposal, given me accommodation....even a generator to run my computer. They're basically there for you, whatever your needs might be." Pat Sutherland, archaeologist